Trends and issues in non-profit business planning.

Non-profits are increasing in size and scope to meet social needs that are unmet by the government. Declining financial support, government regulations, and increasing competition force non-profits to become more professional and efficient. Non-profits increasingly engage in commercial activities, joint ventures with for-profits, and employ business techniques such as business planning and marketing. An extensive body of research examines issues related to non-profit performance that supplies a framework for business planning. Business planning may help non-profits to sustain competitive advantages and long-term financial stability. This paper examines the challenges of writing a business plan for non-profits concluding with a sample business plan that takes into consideration advantages, risks, and limitations of non-profits